Sash Window Repair

Sash windows can be out of balance and even break. Pam scours the web for salvaged, wavy glass and keeps an eye out for the sash weights that are discarded, made of metal. She then seeks replacements in the form of nuts or washers to ensure that her window is balanced.

Pam puts each pane in with a rope of glazing compound that she works into the rabbet groove, or pocket, around the opening. This helps cut drafts and costly heat loss.

Sticking Sashes

If your double glazing near me-hung windows get stuck in the middle, it's a nightmare. You'll lose your view in the event that they shake in a storm. On the other the other hand, windows that are too loose will let external air and noise through, and your energy bills could increase. Both scenarios are not ideal, but both can be solved with the right tools and a little determination.

Paint can get splattered on the channels of old weighted window tracks, causing them to become jammed. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning and oiling the tracks.

Begin by removing the old caulking between the window stop (the one inside) and the window frame. Then scrape off any paint that has accumulated. Make use of a sharp knife, and put sheets of plastic as well as an air-collecting vacuum cleaner beneath the surface to catch any paint dust or chips.

Then, clean the tracks using a dry cloth, and apply a silicone lubricant for more smooth glide. This lubricant is sold at many home improvement stores or online. Then move the sash up or down to test it.

If it continues to jam it could be an issue with the sash cord. Examine the sash cord to determine if the cord is catching or hanging in the sash, or if it has snapped completely. If this is the situation, you'll need to reconnect the window.

A pin that keeps the rail in place may have lost its grip. It can be difficult to fix and you will need to call in a professional most often.

If a pin isn't falling out, but the wood has become warped or swollen it's a good idea use a wood softener on it. This is a quick drying liquid that can help to restore damaged wood, which means you'll be able repair your window sash without needing to remove it completely. After using it, you can pull the two sashes apart by placing a piece of wood on the bottom corner of the window where they meet.

Draughts

Draughts can be a major issue for old sash windows particularly in winter months. Most often, they are caused by decayed timbers or cracked putty, worn weights for sash or sash cords that aren't balanced, they can let cold air seep in around the window, making it difficult to keep your home warm. There are some things you can do to help prevent draughts in your windows with sash, for example, filling any gaps with expanding foam or strips to block draughts that you can buy at most hardware stores. These are effective however, you will need to replace them periodically as the foam expands with usage.

A alternative that is more durable is Gapseal which is a spongy rubbbery seal that can be cut to the desired size and then push into the gaps between the sash window frame. It can be used alone or with adhesive strips at the top and bottom. This is costly and you will need to reapply it throughout the life of your window. But, it's an effective long-term fix and easy to remove.

Cling film can also be used to stop drafts. Simply scrunch it and push it into all the gaps surrounding your window. This is a great draught-stopper, but it can also hinder the sash's movement and possibly cause fire. Furthermore the sash will have to be removed to open the window again and the cling film will need to be applied each time you close the sash.

A better option is to have your window sash professionally draughtproofed as part of a comprehensive refurbishment service. This can include new sash cords and window repairs parting beads, staff beads, lubrication of pulley wheels, and rebalancing the weights, and painting or staining the frames and sashes. This will restore the sash to its original function, improve its energy efficiency, and repair any minor imperfections in the wood. It is less disruptive than removing the windows, and can reduce draughts, increase the thermal performance, and drastically reduce costs.

Decay

If your sash windows have suffered from damage or decay the good news is that they are not necessarily beyond repair. The wood used in the frames of these windows is usually of high-quality and, with proper restoration, they can be restored to provide an excellent level of performance for a long time. Regular inspections are key, as is ensuring the wood is properly ventilated. This will help prevent the accumulation of moisture that can cause wood decay.

The majority of issues that you'll encounter with sash windows will be easily visible on a close inspection, but some are harder to spot. Wood decay is particularly difficult to fix, as fungus can eat the wood. While it is possible to repair wood that is rotten, the best way to avoid further rot is by keeping the wood dry.

The first thing to do is to clean any paint off the hardware. It may be necessary to remove the bottom rail from the frame and the rail for meeting (this will depend on the location of the sash). You'll then have to take off the "pocket covers" which are bits of wood that are located on the sides of the frame low down that provide access to the weights (the partsing beads run along the middle of them). You may need to use a sharp knife to remove them if they're fixed or painted. Once the pockets have been removed, you can start chiseling out any wood rot and apply an extremely high-quality, water-resistant filler. Once the filler is dry, a primer coat should be applied to stop further decay.

It is a smart idea to examine inside the window the weights of the sash to ensure that they are balanced. They shouldn't be displaced, or pulling one side harder than the other. If they are not balanced the sash can slide off its track and cause damage to the frame. You can replace the sashweights using new ones, or put in an updated balancing system to prevent the sash from moving the wrong direction.

Poor Security

As time passes, sash windows can become exposed to the elements and prone to damage from weather and general wear. This can cause decay of timber, and will require replacement. Water marks on the window or on a softened frame could indicate decay of the wood. It is important to consult an expert to evaluate the situation and determine if any sash window repairs are necessary.

In time the rails at the bottom can also be damaged. The sill may show water marks, or a window that is soft to the touch could be an indication of this. A professional is required to evaluate the situation and recommend any needed replacement of the sash window's seal or replacement.

double glazing near me and triple glazed sash windows do an amazing job of keeping noise pollution from entering your home, so it can be a real cause for concern when they start to let it back in. If this happens, the structural integrity may be in danger and the sash windows will need to be replaced.

A common window repair issue for sash windows is the sash becoming stuck in the frame. It could be due to an sash cord that has snapped, or it could be an indication of an issue with the sash's the ratchets. If the problem is related to the sash the ratchets, some gentle persuasion will usually work.

The sash should be removed from the frame and cleaning the tracks of any dirt or dust will often aid in resolving this problem. Once the tracks are clean remove any security fittings that might be present. Lastly, carefully removing the sash cords and chains will allow the sash to be removed. A draught seal can then be applied around the staff bead to reduce draughts and enhance the appearance of the paint finish. The gap between the box and sash can then be filled with decorators caulk to enhance the operation of the sash and lessen the risk of draughts.